Alarmingly realistic Halloween decoration prompts constant 911 calls

For the past 25 years, LaRethia Haddon has indulged in an annual Halloween tradition that has neighbors perhaps a bit too spooked. Every year, Haddon puts a large dummy face-down in her yard during the weeks leading up to Halloween. She enjoys sitting in her living room and watching passers-by react to the "decoration." Haddon told The Detroit News:

"The corner is always full of cars. People running up trying to do CPR. Once they find out it's a dummy, it's so hilarious."
LaRethia Haddon

The Detroit Police Department is less thrilled about the reactions. Officers trek out to Haddon's home every time they get a concerned call about the "corpse" on her lawn. Officer Jennifer Moreno said:

"We received one call each about the dummy on the sixth, seventh and eighth. It would be great if they could put something along the lines of it being a display to alert to the citizens in the community so it doesn't arise unnecessary concern. If we get a call, we are still responding. We can't take the chance."

Haddon said that she's very used to cops coming out to her home to address the spooky decoration. Even when she lived in a different town, neighbors alerted police officers regularly. Haddon said:

"I used to live in Redford Township, and oh God – the police department, fire department, they would come out every day. Everywhere I've ever lived, it's always been this way. But this year, for some reason, it's getting a lot of attention."

"We're just really into it. And the kids get a kick out of it in the neighborhood and my grandchildren, also. It's something that we always do. I'm trying to bring laughter to Detroit. We really need it."
LaRethia Haddon